Rapid and Sensitive Method of Forensic Toxicology in Post-Mortem Subjects Using Oral Fluid Testing

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a rapid, sensitive method for forensic drug testing in a post-mortem subject using oral fluid collected from the post-mortem subject. The method comprises collecting a sample of oral fluid from a post-mortem subject, analyzing the oral fluid sample qualitatively to detect the presence of one or more non-naturally occurring drugs, analyzing the oral fluid sample quantitatively to determine concentration of the one or more non-naturally occurring drugs in the post-mortem subject, and identifying the one or more non-naturally occurring drugs in the post-mortem subject. The detection and quantification in oral fluid is more sensitive and faster than detection and quantification of the non-naturally occurring drugs in blood, urine, bile, and liver tissue collected from the same post-mortem subject. Further, the qualitative and quantitative results are obtained in as little as three hours.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 14/744,324, filed Jun. 19, 2015, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to forensic toxicology in post-mortem subjects. More particularly, the present invention relates to a rapid and sensitive method of drug testing in post-mortem subjects using oral fluid collected from post-mortem subjects to quickly and sensitively detect the presence of, and quantify the concentrations of, one or more drugs in the post-mortem subjects.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In recent years, overdose from both licit and illicit drugs has been an increasingly common cause of death in persons fifteen to seventy years of age. After a suspected drug death, a major objective at autopsy is to determine whether any drugs measured in the decedent have played a role in the cause of death. Currently, post-mortem forensic drug analyses rely upon traditional biological matrices such as blood, urine, bile, and liver tissue. The specific matrix used for specimen retrieval depends, in part, on the time after death that the sample is collected and the consistency of collection, which may vary due to differences in clotting time, fluid movement and changes in cellular components. Once death has taken place, many drugs are released from their binding sites in tissue as pH decreases and the process of autolysis proceeds. By the time a sample has reached the clinical chemistry laboratory for analysis, it may be unsuitable for analysis. For example, drug concentrations in blood taken from an individual at one site may be twice the concentration as that taken at the same time from a different site (e.g., sublingual region versus femoral vein). In addition, in decaying cadavers, viable sample matrices typically are hard to retrieve and oftentimes are limited solely to putrefactive fluid in pleural cavities and blisters. Sample collection from blood, urine and body tissues also requires the use of protective gear to prevent possible spread of infection. Further, sample analyses typically are time-consuming, as various instrumentalities usually are employed for both qualitative and quantitative analyses of the samples.

There exists a need, therefore, for a fast, sensitive, and less invasive method to conduct forensic toxicology in post-mortem subjects than what is currently available.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention fulfills this need by providing a rapid, sensitive, and less invasive method of forensic drug testing in a post-mortem subject using oral fluid collected from the post-mortem subject. The method comprises collecting a sample of oral fluid from a post-mortem subject, analyzing the oral fluid sample qualitatively to detect the presence of one or more non-naturally occurring drugs, analyzing the oral fluid sample quantitatively to determine concentration of the one or more non-naturally occurring drugs in the post-mortem subject, and identifying the one or more non-naturally occurring drugs in the post-mortem subject, wherein detection and quantification in oral fluid is more sensitive and faster than detection and quantification of the non-naturally occurring drugs in blood, urine, bile, and liver tissue collected from the same post-mortem subject using the same qualitative and quantitative methods, and wherein qualitative and quantitative results are obtained in as little as three hours.

The one or more non-naturally occurring drugs that may be detected and quantified in accordance with the invention includes, without limitation, drugs included in the following drug classes: opioids, benzodiazepines, antidepressants, antihistamines, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, muscle relaxants, barbiturates, hypnotics, and illicit drugs.

In particular, the non-naturally occurring drugs that may be detected and quantified in accordance with the invention include, without limitation, 6-acetylmorphine, alprazolam, amphetamine, buprenorphine, cannabinoids, carisoprodol, clonazepam, cocaine/benzoylecgonine, codeine, cyclobenzaprine, diazepam, fentanyl, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, ketamine, lorazepam, meperidine, methadone, 3,4-methamphetamine, methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA), methylphenidate, midazolam, morphine, naltrexone, o-desmethyl-cis-tramadol, oxazepam, oxycodone, oxymorphone, phencyclidine (PCP), propoxyphene, quetiapine, tapentadol, temazepam, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and triazolam.

The sample of oral fluid is collected from either the buccal (i.e., oral) cavity of the post-mortem subject, such as from the sublingual region (i.e., under the tongue), or from the submandibular region, such as the submandibular gland. Approximately one milliliter (mL) of oral fluid easily is collected in about one minute to about ten minutes using a collection pad.

After collection of the oral fluid sample, it is analyzed qualitatively using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); and is analyzed quantitatively using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A fuller understanding of the invention can be gained from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a bar graph showing concentrations of 6-acetylmorphine, alprazolam, codeine, methadone, and morphine collected from oral fluid of a post-mortem subject (PM-1) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, compared to concentrations of the same drugs detected in blood from this subject reported by Lab X;

FIG. 2 is a bar graph showing concentrations of 6-acetylmorphine, alprazolam, carisoprodol, fentanyl, morphine, and oxycodone collected from oral fluid of a post-mortem subject (PM-2) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, compared to concentrations of the same drugs detected in blood from this subject reported by Lab X;

FIG. 3 is a bar graph showing concentrations of 6-acetylmorphine, benzoylecgonine, carisoprodol, codeine, fentanyl, and morphine collected from oral fluid of a post-mortem subject (PM-3) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, compared to concentrations of the same drugs detected in blood from this subject reported by Lab X;

FIG. 4 is a bar graph showing concentrations of 6-acetylmorphine, codeine, and morphine collected from oral fluid of a post-mortem subject (PM-4) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, compared to concentrations of the same drugs detected in blood from this subject reported by Lab X;

FIG. 5 is a bar graph showing concentrations of clonazepam and fentanyl collected from oral fluid of a post-mortem subject (PM-5) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, compared to concentrations of the same drugs detected in blood from this subject reported by Lab X;

FIG. 6 is a bar graph showing concentrations of 6-acetylmorphine, fentanyl, and morphine collected from oral fluid of a post-mortem subject (PM-6) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, compared to concentrations of the same drugs detected in blood from this subject reported by Lab X;

FIG. 7 is a bar graph showing the concentration of fentanyl collected from oral fluid of a post-mortem subject (PM-7) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention compared to the concentration of the same drug detected in blood from this subject reported by Lab X;

FIG. 8 is a bar graph showing concentrations of 6-acetylmorphine, codeine, cyclobenzaprine, morphine, and oxycodone collected from oral fluid of a post-mortem subject (PM-8) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, compared to concentrations of the same drugs detected in blood from this subject reported by Lab X;

FIG. 9 is a bar graph showing concentrations of methadone, morphine and quetiapine collected from oral fluid of a post-mortem subject (PM-9) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, compared to concentrations of the same drugs detected in blood from this subject reported by Lab X;

FIG. 10 is a bar graph showing concentrations of cyclobenzaprine, hydrocodone, methadone, o-desmethy-cis-tramadol, oxycodone, and oxymorphone collected from oral fluid of a post-mortem subject (PM-10) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, compared to concentrations of the same drugs detected in blood from this subject reported by Lab X;

FIG. 11 is a bar graph showing concentrations of 6-acetylmorphine, benzoylecgonine, buprenorphine, fentanyl, and morphine collected from oral fluid of a post-mortem subject (PM-11) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, compared to concentrations of the same drugs detected in blood from this subject reported by Lab X;

FIG. 12 is a bar graph showing concentrations of 6-acetylmorphine, benzoylecgonine, codeine, fentanyl, hydrocodone, and morphine collected from oral fluid of a post-mortem subject (PM-12) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, compared to concentrations of the same drugs detected in blood from this subject reported by Lab X;

FIG. 13 is a bar graph showing the concentration of hydrocodone collected from oral fluid of a post-mortem subject (PM-13) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, compared to the concentration of the same drug detected in blood from this subject reported by Lab X;

FIG. 14 is a bar graph showing concentrations of alprazolam, benzoylecgonine, and fentanyl collected from oral fluid of a post-mortem subject (PM-14) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, compared to concentrations of the same drugs detected in blood from this subject reported by Lab X; and

FIG. 15 is a bar graph showing concentrations of 6-acetylmorphine, fentanyl, and morphine collected from oral fluid of a post-mortem subject (PM-15) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, compared to concentrations of the same drugs detected in blood from this subject reported by Lab X;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following investigation was a prospective and controlled study of fifteen autopsy cases designed in order to document the efficacy, accuracy, and rapidity of using oral fluid to detect the presence of (i.e., screen) and quantify drug concentrations in forensic autopsies compared to conventional collection modalities used in forensic autopsies, which use blood, urine, bile, and liver tissue.

As used herein, the terms “post-mortem subject,” decedent,” “body” and “corpse” are interchangeable, and are defined as a human being or other animal that has died.

Materials and Methods Chemicals and Reagents

Chemical and certified reference standards required for analysis were purchased from Cerilliant (Round Rock, Tex.): 6-acetylmorphine, 6-acetylmorphine-d₃, alprazolam, alprazolam-d₅, amphetamine, amphetamine-d₅, benzoylecgonine, benzoylegonine-d₃, buprenorphine, buprenorphine-d₄, carisoprodol, carisoprodol-d₇, clonazepam, clonazepam-d₄, codeine, codeine-d₃, cyclobenzaprine HCL, cyclobenzaprine-d₃ HCL, diazepam, diazepam-d₅, fentanyl, fentanyl-d₅, hydrocodone, hydrocodone-d₃, hydromorphone, hydromorphone-d₃, ketamine, ketamine-d₅, lorazepam-d₄; meperidine, meperidine-d₄, methadone, methadone-d₃, methamphetamine, methamphetamine-d₅, methylphenidate, methylphenidate-d₉, midazolam, midazolam-d₄, morphine, morphine-d₃, naltrexone, naltrexone-d₃, o-desmethyl-cis-tramadol HCL, o-desmethyl-cis-tramadol HCL-d₆, oxazepam, oxazepam-d₅, oxycodone, oxycodone-d₃, oxymorphone, oxymorphone-d₃, propoxyphene, propoxyphene-d₅, phencyclidine, phencyclidine-d₅, quetiapine, tapentadol HCL, tapentadol-d₃ HCL, temazepam, temazepam-d₅, triazolam and triazolam-d₄.

Synthetic negative saliva, ELISA kits, STOP solution, 3,3′,5,5′-Tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) solution, and oral fluid multi-analyte calibrator/control sets were purchased from Immunalysis Corporation (Pomona, Calif.). Methanol (MeOH), acetonitrile, 2-propanol, and ammonium formate were purchased from Fisher Scientific (Bridgewater, N.J.). Formic acid was purchased from Acros Organics (Bridgewater, N.J.). Types 1 and 2 water were obtained from a deionized (DI) water system (Millipore).

Preparation, Sampling, and Storage Conditions of Oral Fluid

Fifteen cases of suspected drug overdose investigations were performed by CHW & Pathology Associates, Inc. at Carlow University's morgue in Pittsburgh, Pa. The Pathology Assistant carefully recorded on a chain of custody form the decedent identification (ID), sex, age, weight, date, time, and location of collections. Samples of oral fluid were collected from sublingual and submandibular sites utilizing the Quantisal Saliva Collection Device (Immunalysis Corporation). In the submandibular location, the collection pad was inserted into the submandibular gland until saturation occurred. For the sublingual location, the collection pad was placed under the tongue in the buccal cavity. Table 1 provides decedent demographics for the fifteen subjects, and oral fluid site of collection [i.e., sublingual (“SL”) or submandibular (“SM”)] by our laboratory, compared to the sample (i.e., matrix source) used by a major clinical forensic toxicology laboratory, referred to herein as “Lab X.”

TABLE 1 Decedent Demographics and Sample Matrices Lab X Decedent Matrix Location Decom- ID Gender Age Weight Source ID posed PM-1  M 55 165 Peripheral SL, SM Blood and Urine PM-2  M 44 350 Peripheral SL, SM Blood and Urine PM-3  F 62 145 Peripheral SL, SM Blood PM-4  M 33 180 Peripheral SL, SM Blood PM-5  M 21 258 Hospital SL, SM Blood PM-6  M 23 135 Peripheral SL, SM BloodUrine PM-7  M 67 175 Peripheral SL, SM Blood PM-8  F 42 180 Peripheral SL, SM Blood and Urine PM-9  F 43 160 Peripheral SL, SM Blood and Urine PM-10 F 45 100 Peripheral SL Blood PM-11 M 53 240 Peripheral SL Yes Blood and Urine PM-12 F 27 140 Peripheral SL, SM Blood PM-13 M 57 170 Bile SM Yes PM-14 M 43 185 Liver Tissue SM PM-15 F 39 120 Peripheral SM Blood, Bile, and Urine

Each collection device was labeled with the appropriate sample location ID and date of collection. Each collection pad was placed into the appropriate sample location and observed for saturation of the pad for approximately two to ten minutes. After each sample was collected, the unmodified fluid was placed into the appropriate collection device, which contained a non-azide buffer to preserve the collected oral fluid. The chain of custody form and collection devices were individually placed into a dual-pocketed biohazard bag and transported to our laboratory to be stored in a refrigerator (2 to 8° C.) until analysis was conducted.

After the samples were prepared for analysis, they were individually bagged and labelled with the laboratory's sample ID and date of receipt. Samples were stored frozen in a freezer (−15 to −20° C.) for as long as six months for potential medico-legal purposes.

Preparation of Standard, Internal Standard, and Quality Control Solutions

All standard and internal reference standards were purchased from Cerilliant Corporation. A stock standard solution was prepared by pipetting 50 microliters (μL) of 1.0 milligram per milliliter (mg/mL) of standard analyte(s) and diluting them with MeOH to prepare a total volume of 25 mL. A stock internal standard solution was prepared by pipetting 750 μL of the 100 micrograms per milliliter (μg/mL) of internal standard analyte(s) and diluting the solution with MeOH to prepare a total volume of 150 mL. Three sets of Quality Control (QC) stock solutions were made to prepare three different concentrations: 10, 50, and 200 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). The 200 ng/mL QC stock solution was prepared by transferring 25 mL of stock standard solution into a graduated cylinder and diluting with synthetic negative saliva to prepare a total volume of 1 liter (L). The 10 ng/mL and 50 ng/mL QC stock solutions were prepared by serial dilutions from the 200 ng/mL QC stock solution.

Qualitative Conditions and Methodology for ELISA

All samples were screened on a TECAN Freedom EVO 150 (Tecan Group Ltd.). The following drug classes were analyzed: amphetamine, methamphetamine, opiates, propoxyphene, PCT, cocaine/benzoylecgonine, THC, benzodiazepines, tramadol, methadone, buprenorphine, fentanyl, oxycodone/oxymorphone, carisoprodol, and meperidine. ELISA kits (Immunalysis Corporation) were utilized to qualitatively screen for the presence of analytes. The Immunalysis Direct ELISA kit (96-well microplate) is based upon competitive binding to the antibody of enzyme-labeled antigen and unlabeled antigen in proportion to their concentration in the reaction mixture. Samples and calibrators were prepared by pipetting 750 μL into labeled 12×75 millimeter (mm) disposable glass culture tubes (Fisher Scientific). Calibrators were prepared in duplicate (negative, low, cut-off, and high).

A 10 μL aliquot of diluted sample and calibrators were incubated with a 100 μL of enzyme (horseradish peroxidase) into the microplate wells coated with fixed amounts of high affinity purified polyclonal antibody. The microplates were incubated for 60 minutes at ambient temperature (20 to 25° C.). Plates were washed six times with DI water utilizing a microplate washer (TECAN). Plates were inverted and dried onto an absorbent paper towel to remove any residual moisture. One hundred (100)μL of chromogenic substrate TMB was added. The microplates were incubated for 30 minutes at ambient temperature and the reaction was stopped after 30 minutes by adding 100 μL of dilute acid (STOP solution). The plates were read with an absorbance reader (TECAN Sunrise Absorbance Reader with Magellan Software) between wavelengths of 450 to 620 nanometers (nm).

Quantitative Conditions and Method for LC-MS/MS

All samples were analyzed utilizing a 6460 Triple Quadrupole LC-MS/MS coupled with a 1290 Infinity Liquid Chromatography System (Agilent Technologies). The column was a Poroshell 120 EC-C18 (3.0×50 mm, 2.7 μm), maintained at 50° C. with a flow rate of 0.6 mL/minute.

The aqueous mobile phase (A) consisted of 5 millimolar (mM) ammonium formate and 0.1% formic acid diluted to 2 L utilizing type 1 DI water; and the organic mobile phase (B) consisted of 0.1% formic acid diluted to 2 L utilizing acetonitrile. The gradient performed is shown in Table 2.

TABLE 2 HPLC Gradient Program Time (minutes) % A % B 0 95 5 1 95 5 3 70 30 6 30 70 6.5 5 95 7 99.5 0.5 8 99.5 0.5

The injection volume for the samples was 2.5 μL. Mass spectrometry was performed utilizing a positive electrospray ionization mode for all analytes. The source parameters were a gas (N₂) temperature of 300° C., gas flow of 12 L/minute nebulizer pressure of 45 parts per square inch (psi), sheath gas temperature of 350° C., and sheath gas flow of 12 L/minute. The ideal multiple-reaction monitoring (MRM) transitions, fragmentor voltages, collision energy voltages, and cell accelerator voltages were determined for all analytes (deuterated and non-deuterated) by utilizing Agilent MassHunter Qualitative Analysis and Optimizer software (installed with Agilent MassHunter software). The MRM transitions and parameters are shown in Table 3.

TABLE 3 Analytes with Associated Voltages for Mass Spectrometry Cell Cut-off MRM Fragmentor Collision Accelerator Retention Level Transition Voltage Energy Voltage Time Analyte (ng/mL) (m/z) (V) (V) (V) (min) 6-acetylmorphine 5.0 328.4→165.1 170 44 4 2.35 328.4→152.1 170 80 4 6-acetylmorphine- 331.4→165.1 145 40 4 2.35 D₃ Alprazolam 5.0 309.1→205.1 170 48 4 4.56 309.1→151.1 170 72 4 Alprazolam-D₅ 314.1→210.1 165 44 4 4.56 Amphetamine 5.0 136.2→119.1 70 4 4 2.20 136.2→91.0  70 20 4 Amphetamine-D₅ 141.2→124.1 75 8 4 2.20 Benzoylecgonine 5.0 290.3→168.1 135 16 4 2.71 290.3→105.0 135 32 4 Benzoylecgonine- 293.3→77.1  135 68 4 2.71 D₃ Buprenorphine 5.0 468.6→115.1 215 144 4 4.16 468.6→101.1 215 44 4 Buprenorphine-D₄ 473.6→473.3 215 8 4 4.16 Carisoprodol 5.0 261.3→176.1 75 4 4 4.52 261.3→158.1 75 4 4 Carisoprodol-D₇ 268.3→183.2 80 4 4 4.52 Clonazepam 5.0 316.1→214.1 165 40 4 4.47 316.1→151.1 165 88 4 Clonazepam-D₄ 320.1→218.1 130 36 4 4.47 Codeine 10.0 300.1→152.1 165 76 4 2.10 300.1→115.1 165 88 4 Codeine-D₃ 303.4→152.1 150 80 4 2.10 Cyclobenzaprine 5.0 276.1→215.1 135 48 4 4.36 276.1→213.1 135 88 4 Cyclobenzaprine- 279.1→215.1 120 48 4 4.36 D₃ Diazepam 5.0 285.1→193.1 160 32 4 5.19 285.1→165.1 160 56 4 Diazepam-D₅ 290.1→198.1 170 32 4 5.19 Fentanyl 1.0 337.5→188.1 130 20 4 3.86 337.5→105.1 130 48 4 Fentanyl-D₅ 342.5→105.1 135 48 4 3.86 Hydrocodone 10.0 300.4→171.1 155 40 4 2.43 300.4→128.0 155 76 4 Hydrocodone-D₃ 303.4→128.1 160 68 4 2.43 Hydromorphone 10.0 286.3→157.1 180 44 4 1.17 286.3→128.1 180 68 4 Hydromorphone- 289.3→157.1 150 44 4 1.17 D₃ Ketamine 5.0 238.1→220.1 105 11 4 2.85 238.1→125.1 105 11 4 Ketamine-D₅ 242.1→129.0 102 15 4 2.85 Lorazepam 5.0 321.1→303.0 136 8 4 4.47 321.1→275.1 136 21 4 Lorazepam-D₄ 325.1→77.9  115 104 4 4.47 3,4- 10.0 194.3→163.1 80 12 4 2.46 methylenedioxy- 194.3→105.1 80 24 4 methamphetamine 3,4- 199.3→165.1 55 12 4 2.46 methylenedioxy- methamphetamine- D₅ Meperidine 5.0 248.3→174.1 115 16 4 3.32 248.3→103.1 115 48 4 Meperidine-D₄ 252.3→105.1 125 44 4 3.32 Methamphetamine 5.0 150.2→119.1 65 8 4 2.41 150.2→91.1  65 20 4 Methamphetamine- 155.2→121.2 80 8 4 2.41 D₅ Methadone 5.0 310.4→265.2 100 8 4 4.53 310.4→105.1 100 24 4 Methadone-D₃ 313.4→268.1 110 12 4 4.53 Methylphenidate 5.0 235.2→84.1  115 16 4 3.11 235.2→56.1  115 53 4 Methylphenidate- 244.3→93.1  115 24 4 3.11 D₉ Midazolam 5.0 326.1→248.6 155 40 4 3.98 326.1→221.9 155 52 4 Midazolam-D₄ 330.1→249.0 167 40 4 3.98 Morphine 10.0 286.3→165.1 155 48 4 0.82 286.3→152.1 155 68 4 Morphine-D₃ 289.3→152.1 170 72 4 0.82 Naltrexone 5.0 342.2→324.1 142 20 4 2.39 342.2→55.2  142 40 4 Naltrexone-D₃ 345.2→58.0  105 44 4 2.39 o-desmethyl-cis- 5.0 250.8→232.1 110 12 4 2.44 tramadol 250.8→58.2  110 12 4 o-desmethyl-cis- 256.8→64.2  110 12 4 2.44 tramadol-D₆ Oxazepam 5.0 287.1→163.0 120 40 4 4.38 287.1→104.1 120 36 4 Oxazepam-D₅ 292.1→109.1 110 40 4 4.38 Oxycodone 10.0 316.4→298.1 135 16 4 2.31 316.4→212.1 135 44 4 Oxycodone-D₃ 319.4→115.1 125 104 4 2.31 Oxymorphone 10.0 302.3→198.1 130 44 4 0.96 302.3→128.1 130 88 4 Oxymorphone-D₃ 305.3→201.2 125 48 4 0.96 Phencyclidine 5.0 244.3→159.2 80 8 4 3.74 244.3→117.1 80 32 4 Phencyclidine-D₅ 249.3→164.2 80 8 4 3.74 Pentazocine* 5.0 286.4→218.1 135 16 4 3.57 286.4→145.1 135 36 4 Propoxyphene 5.0 340.5→266.2 80 4 4 4.49 340.5→128.0 80 56 4 Propoxyphene-D₅ 345.5→271.2 80 4 4 4.49 Quetiapine 5.0 384.3→220.6 145 40 4 3.99 384.3→138.8 145 96 4 Quetiapine-D₈ 392.2→258.1 122 20 4 3.99 Tapentadol 5.0 222.8→108.1 130 24 4 3.13 222.8→121.0 120 15 4 Tapentadol-D₃ 225.8→77.1  120 52 4 3.13 Temazepam 5.0 301.1→283.1 120 8 4 4.78 301.1→255.1 120 20 4 Temazepam-D₅ 306.1→260.1 120 20 4 4.78 Triazolam 5.0 343.1→308.0 190 24 4 4.61 343.1→239.0 190 44 4 Triazolam-D₄ 347.1→312.0 195 28 4 4.61 *The internal standard for pentazocine was unavailable for purchase. Therefore, meperidine-D₄ was utilized as the internal standard.

Sample Preparation

The samples were filtered from the collection pad in the Quantisal collection device. This was conducted via a blood serum filter (16 mm×4 inches) (Porex Technologies). Five-hundred μL of each sample was pipetted into a LC-MS/MS vial (Fisher Scientific) with 120 of MeOH and 30 μL of stock internal standard solution. After addition of the solutions, the vial was capped and vortexed for approximately 10 seconds.

Method Validation

Both instruments (TECAN Freedom Evoware 150 and Agilent 6460 Triple Quadrupole LC-MS/MS coupled with a 1290 Infinity Liquid Chromatography System) were validated utilizing the Scientific Working Group for Forensic Toxicology (SWGTOX) Standard Practices for Method Validation in Forensic Toxicology. Parameters for qualitative testing (TECAN) were validated for limit of detection and precision. Parameters for quantitative testing (LC-MS/MS) were validated for bias, calibration model, carryover, interference studies, limit of detection, limit of quantitation, precision, dilution integrity, ionization suppression/enhancement, and processed sample stability.

Calibration Curve

A calibration curve was prepared to identify the unknown concentrations of analytes in oral fluid by comparing them to a known set of concentrations. The concentrations for the calibration curve were 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 250, 500, and 1,000 ng/mL. The concentrations were chosen based upon cut-offs for the analytes (see Table 3). The calibration curve samples were prepared as shown in Table 4.

TABLE 4 Preparation of Calibration Curve Concentrations Oral Fluid Concentration (ng/mL) 1 5 10 50 100 250 500 1,000 Methanol 367.6 337.6 300 365.6 356.2 328.0 281.2 187.6 (μL) STD (μL) @ — — — 9.3 18.8 46.9 93.8 187.5 2,000 ng/mL Diluted STD 7.5 37.5 75.0 — — — — — (μL) @ 50 ng/mL

The calibration curve was prepared with 90 μL of stock internal standard solution, 1.5 mL of synthetic negative saliva, and the specific components listed in Table 5. After the set of concentrations were prepared, they were vortexed for 10 seconds to ensure proper mixing of standard and internal standard solutions.

Results and Discussion Sample Collection of Oral Fluid

From both the sublingual and submandibular sites where oral fluid was collected, the collection pad absorbed approximately 1 mL of oral fluid (±10%) within 2 to 5 minutes. Oral fluid is excreted primarily by three glands: the parotid, submaxillary and sublingual glands, as well as by other smaller glands in the head region. Oral fluid is a composite tissue comprised primarily of saliva, buccal and mucosal transudates, gingival crevicular fluid, cellular debris, bacteria, and residues of ingested products. Drug concentrations in oral fluid generally are related to concentrations in blood, but also may be present as residual drug in the oral cavity. The buccal cavity contains mucous membranes that provide a depot effect which allows absorption of higher concentrations of certain drugs such as cocaine and amphetamines. This local absorption effect is due to the higher fat solubility and ease of penetration through membranes with low partitioning from blood to oral fluid.

Oral Fluid Duration from Collection to Report Generation Compared to Lab X

Table 5 shows the number of days from collection of samples to the reporting of the test results for our laboratory for each of the fifteen post-mortem subjects compared to Lab X. The average number of days from collection to reporting for our laboratory ranged from 2 to 18 days, with an average of 5.9 days, compared to a range from 7 to 29 days, with an average of 16.4 days for Lab X. Thus, our laboratory was able to collect and report out both qualitative and quantitative results using the methods of the present invention at least two times faster than Lab X.

TABLE 5 Number of Days from Sample Collection to Report Generation Our Decedent ID Laboratory Lab X PM-1 5 13 PM-2 5 17 PM-3 2 16 PM-4 2 18 PM-5 6 9 PM-6 4 15 PM-7 4 7 PM-8 4 11 PM-9 4 18 PM-10 4 13 PM-11 4 16 PM-12 4 16 PM-13 4 27 PM-14 18 29 PM-15 18 21

Our validated method utilized accounts for a 1:4 dilution (oral fluid:total parts). A calibration curve and multiple sets of QC were included in every analysis. Upon completion of the run, the calibrator concentrations were analyzed using Agilent MassHunter Quantitative Analysis. The calibration curve was analyzed for linearity to ensure the accuracy of the data. The linearity coefficient (R²) was greater than 0.997 for each analyte of interest. The curve was analyzed for outliers and abundance of signal. QC was verified to ensure the instrumentation and technique of sample preparation was adequate.

Provided below are the test results from the fifteen sets of post-mortem samples analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively using oral fluid as the matrix for drug testing in the fifteen post-mortem subjects, compared to the matrices collected and analyzed by Lab X, shown in Table 6.

TABLE 6 Sample Matrices Analyzed by Lab X ^(a)1 Peripheral Blood ^(b)2 Urine ^(c)3 Hospital Blood ^(d)4 Blood ^(e)5 Bile ^(f)6 Liver Tissue* *Concentrations measured in ng/g. “Peripheral,” “Hospital” and “Blood” are all referred to herein as “Blood.”

Post-Mortem Subject 1 Qualitative Analysis

As shown in Table 7, the post-mortem sample collection of oral fluid from the indicated sites in accordance with the invention detected two drugs. Lab X detected the same two drugs and methadone collected from blood.

TABLE 7 ELISA Results for PM-01 Presumptive Positive in Oral Fluid Lab X Presumptive Positive Benzodiazepines (SL, SM) ^(b)Benzodiazepines Not Reported ^(b)Methadone Opiates (SL, SM) ^(b)Opiates

Quantitative Analysis

As shown in FIG. 1, the analysis of oral fluid yielded concentrations of 6-acetylmorphine and morphine which were greater than, and concentrations of alprazolam, codeine, and morphine which were substantially similar to, the concentrations of the same drugs in this subject taken from blood reported by Lab X. In addition, we were able to quantify the concentration of methadone in oral fluid, whereas Lab X could not.

Post-Mortem Subject 2 Qualitative Analysis

As shown in Table 8, the post-mortem sample collection of oral fluid from the indicated sites in accordance with the invention detected three drugs. Lab X's results collected from blood showed the presence of two of the three drugs.

TABLE 8 ELISA Results for PM-2 Presumptive Positive Lab X Presumptive Positive Benzodiazepines (SL, SM) ^(b)Benzodiazepines Carisoprodol (SL, SM) Not Reported Oxycodone (SL, SM) ^(b)Oxycodone

Quantitative Analysis

As shown in FIG. 2, the analysis of oral fluid yielded concentrations of carisoprodol which were greater than, and concentrations of morphine and oxycodone which were substantially similar to the concentrations of the same drugs in this subject taken from blood reported by Lab X. In addition, we were able to quantify the concentration of alprazolam in oral fluid, whereas Lab X could not.

Post-Mortem Subject 3 Qualitative Analysis

As shown in Table 9, the post-mortem sample collection of oral fluid in accordance with the invention detected five drugs. Lab X's results collected from blood did not detect any drugs.

TABLE 9 ELISA Results for PM-3 Presumptive Positive Lab X Presumptive Positive Cannabinoids (SL, SM) Not Reported Carisoprodol (SL, SM) Not Reported Cocaine/Benzoylecgonine (SL, SM) Not Reported Fentanyl (SL, SM) Not Reported Opiates (SL, SM) Not Reported

Quantitative Analysis

As shown in FIG. 3, the analysis of oral fluid yielded concentrations of morphine that was greater than, and concentrations of fentanyl which were substantially similar to concentrations of the same drugs in this subject taken from peripheral blood reported by Lab X, except for benzoylecgonine which was greater for Lab X. In addition, we were able to quantify the concentration of 6-acetylmorphine and carisoprodol in oral fluid, whereas Lab X could not. Lab X also was able to quantify the concentration of codeine in this sample.

Post-Mortem Subject 4 Qualitative Analysis

As shown in Table 10, the post-mortem sample collection of oral fluid in accordance with the invention detected four drugs. Lab X's results collected from blood did not detect any drugs.

TABLE 10 ELISA Results for PM-04 Presumptive Positive Lab X Presumptive Positive Benzodiazepines (SM) Not Reported Meperidine (SM) Not Reported Opiates (SL, SM) Not Reported Oxycodone (SL) Not Reported

Quantitative Analysis

As shown in FIG. 4, the analysis of oral fluid yielded concentrations of 6-acetylmorphine, codeine, and morphine which were greater than the concentrations of these drugs in this subject taken from blood reported by Lab X.

Post-Mortem Subject 5 Qualitative Analysis

As shown in Table 11, the post-mortem sample collection of oral fluid in accordance with the invention detected three drugs. Lab X's results collected from peripheral blood did not detect any drugs.

TABLE 11 ELISA Results for PM-5 Presumptive Positive Lab X Presumptive Positive Benzodiazepines (SL, SM) Not Reported Cannabinoids (SL, SM) Not Reported Fentanyl (SL, SM) Not Reported

Quantitative Analysis

As shown in FIG. 5, the analysis of oral fluid yielded concentrations of clonazepam and fentanyl which were substantially similar to the concentrations of these drugs in this subject taken from blood reported by Lab X.

Post-Mortem Subject 6 Qualitative Analysis

As shown in Table 12, the post-mortem sample collection of oral fluid in accordance with the invention detected four drugs. Lab X's results collected from blood showed the presence of two of the four drugs.

TABLE 12 ELISA Results for PM-6 Presumptive Positive Lab X Presumptive Positive Amphetamine (SL) Not Reported Cannabinoids (SL, SM) ^(b)Cannabinoids Fentanyl (SL, SM) Not Reported Opiates (SL) ^(b)Opiates

Quantitative Analysis

As shown in FIG. 6, the analysis of oral fluid yielded concentrations of fentanyl which were greater than, and concentrations of morphine which was substantially similar to concentrations of the same drugs in this subject taken from peripheral blood reported by Lab X. In addition, we were able to quantify the concentration of 6-acetylmorphine in oral fluid, whereas Lab X could not.

Post-Mortem Subject 7 Qualitative Analysis

As shown in Table 13, the post-mortem sample collection of oral fluid in accordance with the invention detected one drug. Lab X's results collected from blood did not detect any drugs.

TABLE 13 ELISA Results for PM-7 Presumptive Positive Lab X Presumptive Positive Fentanyl (SL, SM) Not Reported

Quantitative Analysis

As shown in FIG. 7, the analysis of oral fluid yielded a concentration of fentanyl which was substantially similar to the concentration of this drug taken from blood reported by Lab X.

Post-Mortem Subject 8 Qualitative Analysis

As shown in Table 14, the post-mortem sample collection of oral fluid in accordance with the invention detected four drugs. Lab X's results collected from blood detected three of these drugs, as well as oxycodone.

TABLE 14 ELISA Results for PM-8 Presumptive Positive Lab X Presumptive Positive Amphetamine (SL) Not Reported Cannabinoids (SL, SM) ^(b)Cannabinoids Benzodiazepines (SL, SM) ^(b)Benzodiazepines Opiates (SL) ^(b)Opiates Not Reported ^(b)Oxycodone

Quantitative Analysis

As shown in FIG. 8, the analysis of oral fluid yielded concentrations of 6-acetylmorphine and codeine which were not able to be quantified in this subject taken from peripheral blood reported by Lab X. The concentration of oxycodone was substantially similar to concentrations of this drug reported by Lab X. Concentrations of cyclobenzaprine and morphine were greater from Lab X.

Post-Mortem Subject 9 Qualitative Analysis

As shown in Table 15, the post-mortem sample collection of oral fluid in accordance with the invention detected five drugs. Lab X's results collected from blood showed the detection of only one of these drugs.

TABLE 15 ELISA Results for PM-9 Presumptive Positive Lab X Presumptive Positive Amphetamine (SL) Not Reported Benzodiazepines (SL, SM) Not Reported Cocaine/Benzoylecgonine (SL) Not Reported Methadone (SL, SM) ^(b)Methadone Opiates (SL) Not Reported

Quantitative Analysis

As shown in FIG. 9, the analysis of oral fluid yielded a concentration of methadone which was greater than the concentration of this drug in this subject taken from blood reported by Lab X. In addition, we were able to quantify the concentrations of morphine and quetiapine in oral fluid, whereas Lab X could not.

Post-Mortem Subject 10 Qualitative Analysis

As shown in Table 16, the post-mortem sample collection of oral fluid in accordance with the invention detected three drugs. Lab X's results collected from blood detected one of these drugs, as well as opiates and oxycodone.

TABLE 16 ELISA Results for PM-10 Presumptive Positive Lab X Presumptive Positive Amphetamine (SL) Not Reported Cannabinoids (SL, SM) ^(b)Cannabinoids Methadone (SL) Not Reported Not Reported Not Reported Not Reported ^(b)Opiates Not Reported ^(b)Oxycodone

Quantitative Analysis

As shown in FIG. 10, the analysis of oral fluid yielded concentrations of cyclobenzaprine and oxymorphone which was greater than, and a concentration of methadone which was substantially similar to, concentrations of these drugs in this subject taken from blood reported by Lab X. In addition, we were able to quantify the concentration of o-desmethyl-cis-tramadol in oral fluid, whereas Lab X could not. Lab X was able to quantify the concentration of oxycodone, where we did not.

Post-Mortem Subject 11 Qualitative Analysis

As shown in Table 17, the post-mortem sample collection of oral fluid in accordance with the invention detected four drugs. Lab X's results collected from blood detected two of the four drugs.

TABLE 17 ELISA Results for PM-11 Presumptive Positive Lab X Presumptive Positive Amphetamine (SL) Not Reported Cocaine/Benzoylecgonine (SL, SM) ^(b)Cocaine/Metabolites Fentanyl (SL, SM) Not Reported Opiates (SL) ^(b)Opiates

Quantitative Analysis

As shown in FIG. 11, the analysis of oral fluid yielded concentrations of benzoylecgonine and fentanyl which were substantially similar to the concentrations of these drugs in this subject taken from blood reported by Lab X. In addition, we were able to quantify the concentration of morphine in oral fluid, whereas Lab X could not.

Post-Mortem Subject 12 Qualitative Analysis

As shown in Table 18, the post-mortem sample collection of oral fluid in accordance with the invention detected four drugs. Lab X's results collected from blood did not detect any drugs.

TABLE 18 ELISA Results for PM-12 Presumptive Positive Lab X Presumptive Positive Amphetamine (SL) Not Reported Cannabinoids (SL, SM) Not Reported Fentanyl (SL, SM) Not Reported Opiates (SL) Not Reported

Quantitative Analysis

As shown in FIG. 12, the analysis of oral fluid yielded concentrations of fentanyl, hydrocodone, and morphine which were greater than the concentrations of these drugs in this subject taken from blood reported by Lab X. In addition, we were able to quantify the concentration of 6-acetylmorphine in oral fluid, whereas Lab X could not. Benzoylecgonine was detected in smaller concentrations in oral fluids than was found by Lab X.

Post-Mortem Subject 13 Qualitative Analysis

As shown in Table 19, the post-mortem sample collection of oral fluid in accordance with the invention detected five drugs. Lab X's results collected from blood did not detect any drugs.

TABLE 19 ELISA Results for PM-13 Presumptive Positive Lab X Presumptive Positive Amphetamine (SL) Not Reported Benzodiazepines (SL) Not Reported Cocaine/Benzoylecgonine (SL) Not Reported Methamphetamine (SL) Not Reported Opiates (SL) Not Reported

Quantitative Analysis

As shown in FIG. 13, the analysis of oral fluid yielded concentrations of hydrocodone which were less than the concentration of this drug in this subject taken from bile reported by Lab X. It should be noted that this decedent was highly decomposed, and thus Lab X had to determine drug levels in the body through the invasive procedure of extracting bile from the bile duct, which is a difficult and time-consuming process, whereas we were able to determine the concentration of hydrocodone rapidly in oral fluid.

Post-Mortem Subject 14 Qualitative Analysis

As shown in Table 20, the post-mortem sample collection of oral fluid in accordance with the invention detected three drugs. Lab X's results using blood did not detect any drugs.

TABLE 20 ELISA Results for PM-14 Presumptive Positive Lab X Presumptive Positive Benzodiazepines (SL) Not Reported Cocaine/Benzoylecgonine (SL) Not Reported Fentanyl (SL) Not Reported

Quantitative Analysis

As shown in FIG. 14, the analysis of oral fluid yielded a concentration of alprazolam, whereas Lab X was not able to quantify any concentration of this drug. Concentrations of benzoylecgonine and fentanyl were lower in oral fluid than that found in liver tissue in this subject reported by Lab X. No concentrations of the three drugs were found in blood by Lab X. Again, it should be noted that the concentrations of the two drugs by Lab X were found by using the invasive procedure to extract liver tissue from the decedent, a difficult and time-consuming matrix, compared to our rapid method using oral fluid.

Post-Mortem Subject 15 Qualitative Analysis

As shown in Table 8, the post-mortem sample collection of oral fluid in accordance with the invention detected two drugs. Lab X's results collected from blood detected only one of these drugs.

TABLE 21 ELISA Results for PM-15 Presumptive Positive Lab X Presumptive Positive Fentanyl (SL) Not Reported Opiates (SL) ^(b)Opiates

Quantitative Analysis

As shown in FIG. 15, the analysis of oral fluid yielded concentrations of 6-acetylmorphine, fentanyl, and morphine, in which 6-acetylmorphine and morphine were greater than, and a concentration of fentanyl which was substantially similar to, the concentrations of these drugs in this subject reported by Lab X. Lab X used urine to quantitate 6-acetylmorphine, and blood to quantitate morphine and fentanyl.

The following comments should be noted with respect to the foregoing results reported for the fifteen post-mortem subjects in this study. For PM-3, oral fluid collection from the sublingual site in the buccal cavity yielded low concentrations of codeine (4.63 ng/mL). Because it was below the limit of quantitation, the concentration was estimated and was not reported based upon the validation of the method for codeine. Qualitative analysis, however, showed that codeine was present. This was observed in decedents PM-5 with clonazepam (0.34 ng/mL), PM-10 with cyclobenzaprine and oxycodone (4.74 and 5.53 ng/mL, respectively), and PM-12 for benzoylecgonine (2.41 ng/mL). Benzoylecgonine is the main metabolite of the parent analyte cocaine. Because sublingual samples from the buccal cavity contain large amount of lipids and fatty acids, cocaine is protected from rapid metabolism, thus yielding low concentrations of benzoylecgonine. Additionally, having a more aggressive sample clean up would result in lower cut-off points and thus yield greater concentrations of drug. Additionally, PM-11 and PM-13 were decedents that had a high degree of putrefaction (2 to 10 days, respectively). Thus, PM-13's sample location was collected only from the sublingual site in the buccal cavity. Results showed that analyses completed by both our laboratory and Lab X resulted in similar analytes, except in PM-11 where we detected 6-acetylmorphine and morphine (6.49 and 118.97 ng/mL, respectively). Lab X utilized 6-monoacetylmorphine as its analyte of choice instead of 6-acetylmorphine.

The results reported by our laboratory and Lab X show that benzoylecgonine, codeine, fentanyl, and morphine were common analytes reported by both laboratories. Importantly, the use of oral fluid had a further advantage of being able to detect and report concentrations of two additional analytes: 6-acetylmorphine and carisoprodol, two drugs not reported in blood from Lab X. The ability to screen and quantify these two additional analytes, which has been shown to contribute to the cause of death, can be critical in identifying the exact cause of death in a particular decedent. Another advantage of the use of oral fluid is in cases of post-mortem decomposition, where oral fluid is a superior alternative to blood, bile, and liver tissue, because of the process of autolysis and the difficulty in retrieving samples for analysis from these matrices.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the specific analytes or drugs disclosed herein, but includes, without limitation, drugs from the following non-limiting drug classes: opioids, benzodiazepines, antidepressants, antihistamines, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, muscle relaxants, barbiturates, hypnotics, and illicit drugs.

Further, post-mortem sample collection of oral fluid from in accordance with the present invention demonstrates the surprising sensitivity of this collection method in detecting drugs of interest. Our methodology using oral fluid was shown to be about three times more effective in detecting drugs of interest qualitatively compared to the use of conventional matrices such as blood, urine, bile, and liver tissue, as shown by the results obtained by Lab X. Thus, the present invention using oral fluid collection provides a surprisingly sensitive method for qualitative analysis of post-mortem samples. The results of the qualitative drug screening in accordance with the invention then can be further confirmed and quantified utilizing analytical instrumentation.

After qualitative analysis of the post-mortem samples, oral samples were analyzed utilizing LC-MS/MS instrumentation to confirm and quantitate concentrations of the analytes initially detected. This is in contrast to quantitative analyses performed by laboratories using conventional matrices for drug analysis, where various instrumentations are required to quantitate, as well as screen, drug samples collected from these matrices. Comparison of the instrumentations used in the present invention using oral fluid, and that used by Lab X using conventional matrices, for both qualitative and quantitative analyses, is shown in Table 22.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the instrumentation disclosed herein (i.e., ELISA and LC-MS/MS), but includes any suitable instrumentation capable of screening for and quantifying analytes in post-mortem subjects.

TABLE 22 Instrumentation Used by Our Laboratory Compared to Lab X Decedent ID Our Instrumentation Lab X Instrumentation PM-1 ELISA, LC-MS/MS LC-MS/MS, GC/MS, GC, EIA, ELISA, LC/TOF-MS PM-2 ELISA, LC-MS/MS LC/TOF-MS, HPLC, GC/MS, LC-MS/MS, EIA, ELISA, GC PM-3 ELISA, LC-MS/MS LC-MS/MS, GC-GC-GC/MS, GC/MS, LC/TOF-MS, GC PM-4 ELISA, LC-MS/MS LC-MS/MS, ELISA, GC, LC/TOF-MS PM-5 ELISA, LC-MS/MS LC-MS/MS, GC-GC-GC/MS, HPLC, ELISA, GC, LC/TOF-MS PM-6 ELISA, LC-MS/MS GC-GC-GC/MS, LC-MS/MS, EIA, ELISA, GC, LC/TOF-MS PM-7 ELISA, LC-MS/MS LC-MS/MS, ELISA, GC, LC/TOF-MS PM-8 ELISA, LC-MS/MS LC-MS/MS, GC-GC-GC/MS, GC, EIA, ELISA, LC/TOF-MS PM-9 ELISA, LC-MS/MS LC-MS/MS, GC/MS, HPLC, EIA, ELISA, GC, LC/TOF-MS PM-10 ELISA, LC-MS/MS GC-GC-GC/MS, GC/MS, LC- MS/MS, EIA, ELISA, GC, LC/TOF-MS PM-11 ELISA, LC-MS/MS GC-GC-GC/MS, GC/MS, LC- MS/MS, EIA, ELISA, LC/TOF- MS, GC PM-12 ELISA, LC-MS/MS GC-GC-GC/MS, GC/MS, LC- MS/MS, ELISA, GC, LC/TOF- MS PM-13 ELISA, LC-MS/MS LC-MS/MS, GC-GC-GC/MS, GC, ELISA, C PM-14 ELISA, LC-MS/MS GC/MS, HPLC, LC-MS/MS, GC, C, ELISA PM-15 ELISA, LC-MS/MS LC-MS/MS, GC, ELISA, LC/TOF-MS, EIA Correlation and t-Test Statistics

Correlation statistics were calculated to analyze the data gathered by our laboratory and Lab X, and are shown in Table 23.

TABLE 23 Correlation and Comparison Statistics for Sublingual and Lab X Samples (ng/mL) Degrees Sample of Correlation Decedent Lab X Lab X Freedom Coefficient ID Mean Variance Mean Variance (df) (r) P-value PM-1  343.03 314,741.43 180.00 12,0486.50 7 0.393 0.598 PM-2  478.38 1,188,492.02 872.50 4,095,437.50 8 0.278 0.686 PM-3  182.75 61,274.74 293.83 410,472.17 6 0.533 0.706 PM-4  17,624.49 253,428,848.19 73.63 11,978.80 2 0.441 0.196 PM-5  1.74 3.94 6.80 9.68 2 0.342 0.192 PM-6  42.43 425.01 20.67 321.33 4 0.880 0.240 PM-7  N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 0.095 N/A PM-8  55.91 3,582.17 81.80 11,941.20 6 0.848 0.659 PM-9  1,179.84 2,349,418.07 305.00 186,050.00 1 0.260 0.579 PM-10 10.01 358.18 20.53 579.23 9 0.649 0.422 PM-11 197.29 179,842.61 224.20 239,778.20 8 0.264 0.928 PM-12 35.69 2,335.83 89.67 38,561.87 6 0.517 0.538 PM-13 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 0.228 N/A PM-14 34.89 2,051.28 183.33 46,233.33 34.89 0.400 0.363 PM-15 78.47 944.18 37.67 1,196.33 4 0.906 0.201 N/A (Not Applicable)

The mean and variance calculated for our results were for the sublingual location only. The mean and variance calculated for Lab X results were for all matrices reported. All fifteen post-mortem samples showed a positive correlation between the data collected by our laboratory and Lab X. This indicates a direct relationship between the two sets of data (i.e., if one set increases, the other set increases). As shown in Table 10, statistics (t-test) were utilized for data comparison. An important finding was that concentration levels were not equivalent between our laboratory and Lab X, as our methodology resulted in higher concentrations (i.e., was more sensitive) in most cases.

P-values were calculated by our laboratory to determine the probability of rejection of the test hypothesis that oral fluid and blood are directly related to each other. Because the p-values for all decedents samples were greater than 0.05 (p>0.05), the testing hypothesis could not be rejected, which definitively showed that oral fluid and blood sampling are directly and proportionately related to one another, confirming that oral fluid is a viable alternative to conventional methods of sampling. Further, the results from our laboratory using oral fluid samples, when compared the results from Lab X, confirms that not only is oral fluid a viable alternative, but indeed a superior alternative, being faster, sensitive, more consistent, and less invasive than conventional methods.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that OF collected from various sites is not only an equivalent, but a superior, alternative to traditional methods of fluid and tissue collections for post-mortem drug analysis, due to the ease of collection, simpler use of instrumentation, safety concerns, and rapidity and quality of results obtained. Because conventional post-mortem analyses are performed mainly with blood as the matrix, drug concentrations often may vary in unpredictable ways based upon the collection site of the blood, time of sampling, and the phenomenon of redistribution. The sampling compartment is assumed to relate to the concentration at the site of action. After death, however, compartments are usually altered as the integrity of the compartmental barriers is lost. This, in turn, may alter the concentration of one or more drugs originally contained in the intact compartments, leading to erroneous drug testing results (i.e., either the non-finding of a particular drug in a particular matrix), or the finding of lowered or skewed concentration levels. In contrast, the use of oral fluid as the primary analytical matrix for post-mortem drug testing eliminates these error factors, as oral fluid is seen to be surprisingly preserved after death in all the sites in which oral fluid may be collected. In other words, the sites reported herein in which oral fluid was collected appear to serve as intact reservoirs for oral fluid, so that any drugs contained in the oral fluid are able to be analyzed with enhanced sensitivity, consistency and accuracy compared to conventional methodologies.

The ease of collection eliminates the necessity to collect additional fluids and tissue, and thus accelerates the autopsy process, which allows for cases to be closed substantially faster, as, for example, examination of larvae and entomological samples associated with putrefied cases may cause increased expense and time to determine cause of death. This study demonstrates that oral fluid can be collected rapidly and easily by procedures that do not interfere with medical examination and that are less time consuming relative to the collection procedures associated with blood, urine, bile, and other fluids. Further, the use of oral fluid samples requires only one screening and analytical technique. This is in contrast to conventional methods which require the use of numerous matrices, as well as numerous screening and analytical techniques. Thus, because the methodology of the present invention requires the use of only one matrix (i.e., oral fluid) and two instrumentalities to obtain sensitive and consistent results, the results can be reported significantly faster than conventional methods using conventional matrices and requiring the use of a number of instruments.

EXAMPLES

The present invention is more particularly described in the following non-limiting examples, which are intended to be illustrative only, as numerous modifications and variations therein will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

The following two examples report forensic toxicology results on a 62-year old female decedent weighing 145 pounds suspected of dying from a drug overdose, using the methodology of the present invention.

Example 1 Oral Fluid Collection from Sublingual Area

A cellulose collection pad from a Quantisal Saliva Collection Device was placed into the sublingual area adjacent to the second bicuspid and first molar in the buccal cavity of the decedent for approximately three to five minutes. The collection pad was removed and observed for saturation of the pad with oral fluid. The collection pad was placed into the collection device, containing a non-azide buffer. The coroner's ID for the subject, date, and sample location was written onto the collection device and placed into a dual-pocketed zippered biohazard bag. The collection device was placed into the zippered pocket of the bag and the chain of custody was folded and placed into the opposing pocket. All samples were placed into a United Parcel Services Laboratory (UPS) Pak and then shipped to the laboratory for analyses. Upon receipt in the laboratory, the sample was inspected for viability, sufficient quantity of oral fluid, and paperwork. The samples were prepared under a negative pressure hood and filtered using a blood serum filter (16 mm×4 inches).

Qualitative results were derived using a Direct ELISA kit (96-well microplate), which is based upon the competitive binding to antibody of enzyme-labeled antigen and unlabeled antigen in proportion to their concentration in the reaction mixture. Samples and calibrators were prepared by pipetting 750 μL into labeled 12×75 mm disposable glass culture tubes (Fisher Scientific). Calibrators were prepared in duplicate (negative, low, cut-off, and high). Qualitative results were completed in approximately three hours and compiled for reporting to the coroner's office.

Quantitative results were completed using a 6460 LC-MS/MS. The results then were reviewed twice by a laboratory scientist and reported to the coroner's office within approximately two to five days upon receipt of the sample. The following drugs and their concentrations were detected in the sublingual region: 6-acetylmorphine, 109.69 ng/mL; benzoylecgonine, 669.59 ng/mL; arisoprodol, 49.20 ng/mL; codeine, 5.64 ng/mL; fentanyl, 70.62 ng/mL; and morphine, 197.42 ng/mL. The results were compared to forensic toxicology results detected in blood of the same decedent by Lab X.

The results obtained with oral fluid collected from the sublingual region of the subject were found to be substantially similar to or superior with respect to the number of drugs detected qualitatively and concentrations of the drugs detected quantitatively compared to results obtained from blood collected from the same decedent by Lab X.

Example 2 Oral Fluid Collection from Submandibular Gland

During the initial autopsy preparation procedure, an incision dissection was made to expose the submandibular gland of the decedent. An incision then was made in the gland and a cellulose collection pad from a Quantisal Saliva Collection Device was inserted into the gland for approximately five to ten minutes. The collection pad was removed and observed for saturation of the pad with oral fluid. The collection pad was placed into the collection device containing a non-azide buffer. The coroner's ID for the subject, date, and sample location was written onto the collection device and placed into a dual-pocketed zippered biohazard bag. The collection device was placed into the zippered pocket of the bag and the chain of custody was folded and placed into the opposing pocket. All samples were placed into a UPS Laboratory Pak and then shipped to the laboratory for analyses. Upon receipt into the laboratory, the sample was observed for viability, sufficient oral fluid quantity, and paperwork. The samples were prepared under a negative pressure hood and filtered using a blood serum filter (16 mm×4 inches).

Qualitative results were derived using a Direct ELISA kit (96-well microplate), which is based upon the competitive binding to antibody of enzyme-labeled antigen and unlabeled antigen in proportion to their concentration in the reaction mixture. Samples and calibrators were prepared by pipetting 750 μL into labeled 12×75 mm disposable glass culture tubes (Fisher Scientific). Calibrators were prepared in duplicate (negative, low, cut-off, and high). Qualitative results were completed in approximately 3 hours and compiled for reporting to the coroner's office.

Quantitative results were completed using a 6460 LC-MS/MS. The results then were reviewed twice by a laboratory scientist and reported to the coroner's office within approximately 24 to 72 hours upon receipt of the sample. The following drugs and their concentrations were detected in the submandibular gland: 6-acetylmorphine, 0.0 ng/mL; benzoylecgonine, 269.02 ng/mL; carisoprodol, 54.38 ng/mL; codeine, 0.0 ng/mL; fentanyl, 11.41 ng/mL; and morphine, 12.34 ng/mL. The results were compared to forensic toxicology results detected in blood of the same decedent by Lab X.

The results obtained with oral fluid collected from the submandibular gland of the subject were found to be substantially similar to or superior with respect to the number of drugs detected qualitatively and concentrations of the drugs detected quantitatively compared to results obtained from blood collected from the same decedent by Lab X.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications that are within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A rapid, sensitive method for the detection and quantification of non-naturally occurring drugs for forensic drug testing in a post-mortem human subject using oral fluid from the post-mortem subject, comprising: collecting a sample of oral fluid from a post-mortem human subject; analyzing the oral fluid sample qualitatively to detect presence of one or more of the non-naturally occurring drugs; analyzing the oral fluid sample quantitatively to determine concentration of the one or more non-naturally occurring drugs in the post-mortem human subject; and identifying the one or more non-naturally occurring drugs in the post-mortem human subject, wherein detection and quantification in oral fluid is more sensitive and faster than detection and quantification of the non-naturally occurring drugs in blood, urine, bile, and liver tissue in the same post-mortem human subject using the same qualitative and quantitative methods, wherein qualitative and quantitative results are obtained in as little as three hours.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or non-naturally occurring drugs is selected from drug classes selected from the group consisting of opioids, benzodiazepines, antidepressants, antihistamines, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, muscle relaxants, barbiturates, hypnotics, and illicit drugs.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more non-naturally occurring drugs are selected from the group consisting of 6-acetylmorphine, alprazolam, amphetamine, buprenorphine, cannabinoids, carisoprodol, clonazepam, cocaine/benzoylecgonine, codeine, cyclobenzaprine, diazepam, fentanyl, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, ketamine, lorazepam, meperidine, methadone, 3,4-methamphetamine, methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA), methylphenidate, midazolam, morphine, naltrexone, o-desmethyl-cis-tramadol, oxazepam, oxycodone, oxymorphone, phencyclidine (PCP), propoxyphene, quetiapine, tapentadol, temazepam, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and triazolam.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the sample of oral fluid is collected from a buccal cavity of the post-mortem human subject.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the sample of oral fluid is collected from a sublingual region of the buccal cavity.
 6. The method of claim 4, wherein the sample of oral fluid is collected from submandibular gland.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the sample of oral fluid is collected with a collection pad in about one minute to about ten minutes.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the sample of oral fluid that is collected is about 1 mL.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the oral fluid sample is analyzed qualitatively using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the oral fluid sample is analyzed quantitatively using a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method. 